NON-RESIDENT Ambassador of Guatemala to Guyana, Mario Estuardo Torres, has said that his presence will help build on the existing economic relations between the two countries.

He expressed his expectations after presenting his Letters of Credence to President, David Granger at State House on Wednesday. Relations between Guyana and Guatemala date back to 1992 when ties were first established but, the relationship has grown and according to the ambassador it will continue to grow.

The two countries are both members of Organisation of the States (OAS) and the Community of Latin American and the Caribbean States (CLAC)

President David Granger on that note said the relationship between Guyana and Guatemala is founded on respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“We have cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international laws and the maintenance of peace in the region as a member of CLAC… We pledge to work to consolidate the region as a zone of peace in which differences among nations can be settled through dialogue and negotiation or other peaceful means,” said the Guyanese Head of State.

In light of the similar commitments, he said Guyana remains willing to work with Guatemala to develop mutually beneficial programmes to strengthen cultural and economic ties.

President Granger said the two countries should also increase collaboration in relation to the security of the Caribbean basin which they both share. President Granger told the ambassador that Guyana is moving towards the establishment of a green state with emphasis on the protection of the environment; preservation of biodiversity; promotion of the use of renewable energy and practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.

Since both countries are signatories to the Paris Agreement for Climate Change, President Granger believes that the shared concern for the environment remains a good basis to continue dialogue, particularly with CLAC and the OAS.